Mars Star Believes in Girls Power

In Part 1 of our Q&A with Kristen Bell, the Veronica Mars star dished on her decision to dabble in big-screen horror (with Pulse, which opened at No. 5 this past weekend) as well as the (equally scary?) prospect of real-life marriage. Here in Part 2, the actress talks about Veronica Mars' own love life, hangin' out on the Gilmore Girls set, and making beautiful music.

TV Guide: Let's talk about Veronica Mars. What have you heard about how [series creator] Rob Thomas will try to broaden the show's appeal? Even though many of us think the show is pretty terrific as is, obviously you'd like to get more ratings. Kristen Bell: I don't know! They don't tell me anything. I don't get any updates until I get to work.

TV Guide: Drat. Bell: I know, it's unfortunate. But Veronica's in Hearst College, where last season they set up a trial period for her. They made introductions there and it worked out well, so we'll pursue that.

TV Guide: We hear that Veronica gets a new love this year. Do dish. Bell: I don't see how she couldn't! But they haven't told me a thing. [It has since been reported that Chris Lowell ofLife As We Know Ithas been cast as Veronica's new romantic interest, Piz.]

TV Guide: Do the fans like Veronica with Logan? Do you like them together? Bell:I love Jason [Dohring], but I don't really care for Logan. He doesn't treat Veronica like she deserves to be treated. I think Duncan treated [her right]. I want to see a man who steps up to the plate and stops screwing around as Logan does. If my boyfriend were sleeping with another woman at the same time, I'd be like, "See ya." But for some reason Veronica hangs around. The characters they developed have a very charismatic relationship, and I know the fans love them together.

TV Guide: Some critics think that the second season wasn't as sharp as the first. Do you agree? Bell: I don't know if I can judge because I don't really watch them; I just have the experience of shooting them. Reading the scripts every week, I thought [Season 2] was just as good. They did a great job of keeping it fresh and not repeating everything we did. Rob added a couple of new dynamics, and I thought that was great.

TV Guide: How do you feel about Veronica Mars being paired with Gilmore Girls on CW? [The shows premiere Oct. 3 and Sept. 26, respectively.] Bell:Oh, it's fantastic. I think it will be great for the show. [We couldn't have] a better lead-in.

TV Guide: Can we expect a crossover? Bell: My producers would have to give me a little time off in order to do it, and that's not too likely. [Laughs]

TV Guide: Your name came up as a potential Emmy nominee, especially with the new rules, which might have favored smaller shows. Did you hold any hopes? Bell:I'm not really into judging my merits or the merits of the show in contests like that. I know we're doing a great job.

TV Guide: The Season 2 DVD set comes out Aug. 22. What are some of the extras? Bell:We haven't done any commentaries, but I know they're putting together a gag reel like, me running up onto the curb with the car 1,000 times. You want to know the ironic thing? I'm really good at driving that car backward, backing up into places. The Teamster guys are always going, "You're really a good backward driver!" But driving it forward, man... I'm totally out of control!

TV Guide: Can we expect a musical version of Veronica Mars, à la Buffy? You were a musical-comedy actress for a while, weren't you?Bell: I am, but I don't think anyone else on the show is into it. [Laughs] People have suggested it, but it's been shot down every time. Everybody else says, "Nope."

TV Guide: Well, just you could sing, right? Bell: [Cracks up] I don't know if we could justify that.

TV Guide: What musical are you dying to do? Bell: Oh, god, there are thousands. I'd do pretty much anything to get back on stage. I'd like to develop a new musical. I nearly had a heart attack when I heard that they're developing [John Waters'] Cry-Baby because that is so amazing and super and wonderful and I wish that I could be involved. But it's not the right time and I understand that. But I hear things like that and I get that little tingle in my stomach.

TV Guide: Do you get to Broadway to see musicals?Bell: I do. I go twice a year to see shows, and I always have friends doing projects. Some day!